Stunted growth of invasive Japanese knotweed when inoculated (Right panel) with Micrococcus luteus. Left panel: untreated Japanese knotweed; Right panel: bioherbicide treated Japanese knotweed
Invention Summary:
Rutgers University scientists have identified novel compositions of endophytic yeast and bacteria that reduce aggressive growth of invasive species and promote growth of host plants.
These endophytes suppress the development of seedlings of weeds such as dandelion (Taraxacum officionale), curly dock (Rumex crispus), clover (Trifolium repens), Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua), Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus viridis. Simultaneously, these bacteria can improve root properties of host plants such as tomato and wheat and can be expanded to other agriculturally important plants.
Market Applications: reduce invasive weeds and increase growth of host plants
- Agriculture
- Tomatoes
- Wheat
Advantages:
- Natural weed control
- Can be combined with fertilizers
- Little impact on environment due to no chemical runoff
- No known pathogenicity
- Long lasting effect on plant
- Economical
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.
